Domestic Asbestos Management Survey | Maidstone

At Asbestos Surveys Essex, we were recently instructed to undertake two separate asbestos survey projects in Maidstone, Kent.

Both projects involved buildings constructed decades ago and required professional inspection before refurbishment works could begin. One was a domestic residential property undergoing renovation, and the other was a set of old agricultural stables the client wished to convert into new horse stabling facilities.

These projects demonstrate why commissioning a professional asbestos management survey in Maidstone is essential before any upgrade, alteration, or demolition work.

Project Overview

Our client base across Kent includes homeowners, landlords, developers, and agricultural property owners. In both of these Maidstone cases, the clients understood the importance of identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) before starting work.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, property owners and duty holders must identify and manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises and common areas. While private domestic homeowners are not legally classed as duty holders in the same way, contractors working on their property still require asbestos information before commencing works.

Both clients acted responsibly by arranging surveys before any materials were disturbed.

Domestic Asbestos Management Survey – 1960s Property, Maidstone

The Instruction

We were contacted by the owner of a 1960s detached house in Maidstone who was planning a programme of internal refurbishment works. The project included:

• Removal of textured ceilings
• Replacement of old vinyl flooring
• Heating system upgrades
• Removal of internal partition walls

Given the age of the property, there was a high likelihood that asbestos-containing materials could be present.

Survey Scope

Our qualified surveyors carried out a full asbestos management survey, which included:

• Inspection of all accessible internal areas
• Loft space inspection
• Sampling of textured coatings (commonly known as Artex)
• Testing of vinyl floor tiles and adhesive
• Inspection of pipework insulation
• Examination of flue systems

All samples were taken in a controlled manner and submitted to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.

Survey Findings

The survey identified:

• Chrysotile asbestos within textured ceiling coatings
• Asbestos-containing vinyl floor tiles
• Asbestos cement flue pipe in the loft

Importantly, some materials were in good condition and could remain in place if not disturbed. Our detailed asbestos report included material risk assessments, priority assessments, and clear management or removal recommendations.

Project Outcome

Because the asbestos was identified before refurbishment began, the client was able to:

• Arrange licensed asbestos removal where required
• Inform contractors of asbestos locations
• Prevent accidental disturbance
• Avoid project delays

Without a professional domestic asbestos survey in Maidstone, refurbishment works could have exposed contractors and occupants to harmful airborne fibres.